Ulaanbaatar forecasts 2.5 percent GDP increase from tourism by 2030

Five percent of state budget to be used for entertainment and sports events

By M.ZOLJARGAL

“Friendly Ulaanbaatar” project’s consultation took place on Wednesday, which is expected to elevate tourism in Mongolia and increase Mongolia’s GDP in the long-term.
During the event, Ulaanbaatar City Governor E.Bat-Uul highlighted, “Ulaanbaatar city will be able to receive two million tourists per year by 2020 and five million tourists by 2030, if the Friendly Ulaanbaatar program is properly coordinated.”
Mongolia’s GDP is expected to see a 2.5 percent increase if five million tourists visit Ulaanbaatar and spend approximately five billion MNT per year by 2030, according to the governor.
Another objective of the program is to issue five percent of the state budget, approximately 35 billion MNT, for arts, cultural and sports facilities, and events in order to attract more tourists.
One billion MNT was dedicated for such events from the state budget before 2012.
“The Mongolian economy is in a critical condition due to poor tourism development in our country. In 2013, around 1,600,000 people went abroad from Mongolia, while only 410,000 tourists and officials visited Mongolia in total. It means we are losing economic resources to other countries. Friendly Ulaanbaatar program is designed to bring tourism in Mongolia to a new stage of development in general,” explained Governor E.Bat-Uul.
The organizers called on tour agencies, as well as sports and entertainment-based organizations to improve and form closer cooperation in order to bring out the best possible results of the program.
The program was based on development programs for Ulaanbaatar through 2020 and 2030, which were approved by Parliament.
The Ulaanbaatar City Tourism Department and Department of Arts and Culture organized the consultation, which was attended by more than 600 city officials, tourism businesses and NGOs.
Minister of Culture, Sport and Tourism (MCST) Ts.Oyungerel, State Secretary General of the MCST P.Altangerel, Deputy Governor in charge of social development Ts.Enkhtsengel and Ulaanbaatar City General Manager B.Badral attended the consultation and delivered speeches.
The Ulaanbaatar City Council will discuss the program on September 22, during its regular meeting, and will deliver its views and suggestions to the coordinators.

Short URL: http://ubpost.mongolnews.mn/?p=11946

Posted by The UB Post
on Sep 18 2014. Filed under Domestic.
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